30 Hours free childcare for 3 and 4 year olds

To be eligible for 30 hours free childcare, you (and your partner if you have one) must have a National Insurance number and at least one of the following: 

• British or Irish citizenship 
  
• settled or pre-settled status,  or been living in the UK before 1 January 2021 with the right to reside
  
• permission to access public funds - your UK residence card will tell you if you cannot do this
  

You, and any partner, must each expect to earn (on average) at least £152 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage) each.

You, and any partner, must earn less than £100,000 a year each. 

In two-parent households, both parents must meet the requirements relating to employment and earnings but only one parent needs to meet the residence requirement.

You may be eligible if  you, or your partner, are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave.

You may still be eligible if your partner is working, and you get Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer’s Allowance or contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.

The 30 hours free childcare offer is not intended to cover the costs of meals, other consumables (such as nappies or sun cream), additional hours or additional activities (such as trips). Providers may charge a fee for these additions. If you choose to pay for these it is an arrangement between you and the childcare provider. However, you must not be required to pay any fee as a condition of taking up a 30 hours place, and must be offered alternative options.